A Sandwich a Day: Burmese Coconut Curry with Pork at Soulwich

Editor's Note: I am so pleased to introduce you all to Amber Gibson. The Northwestern University journalism student is going to help us increase our Evanston coverage, starting with this review of Soulwich. Take it away, Amber!

[Photograph: Amber Gibson]

Soulwich in Evanston specializes in Southeast Asian-inspired sandwiches—think bánh mì with a twist. All sauces are made in-house, and there are eight different sandwiches ranging from wasabi teriyaki to sesame chili tuna. I love a small menu where each option is truly excellent, which is definitely the case here. That being said, my favorite sandwich of all is the Burmese coconut curry with pork ($7.75 with one side).

Many of the sandwiches at Soulwich come with a choice of protein: steak, chicken, pork or seitan for vegetarians. The owners (and I) recommend pork as the most tender and juicy of your options. Raw carrots, daikon, cucumber and cilantro add necessary crunch to the soft, moist pork, and sturdy Labriola bread soaks up the curry sauce. Considering how many toppings they pile on, it's impressive that the bread holds up so well. The coconut curry isn't spicy in the least, but the thick, creamy sauce will have you licking your fingers after your last bite.

For a side, pick between chips or Asian-style coleslaw sans mayo. Wash down any sandwich with coconut water, or my favorite, the housemade pomegranate lemonade.